PVMet Installation Guide

Installation

1. Mount the support mast securely to a support structure.
2. Do NOT tighten the support structure.
3. Rotate the assembled unit until the electronics enclosure face TRUE SOUTH (if installing in the northern hemisphere) or TRUE SOUTH (if installing in the southern hemisphere).
4. Secure the support mast to the assembly being sure to line up the two holes in each mast.

Irradiance Sensor(s)

Pyranometers are shipped with protective covers. Remove cap after installation to expose opaque white lens. Is the circuit panel has terminals for two irradiance sensor connections and the second one is not used, it should be terminated with a 0-ohm shunt between the positive and negative terminals.

PV Temperature Sensors

1. Use enclosed alcohol pad to clean back of the panel where the PV sensor will be attached.
2. Peel off protective cover from adhesive tape and firmly press sensor onto cleaned panel back.
3. Secure cable within 8” of the temperature sensing element.
4. Connect sensor wires, black and white, to the two terminals labeles “PV Temp 1”.
5. Connect bare conductor to the “Shield” terminal.
6. If PV sensor 2 is not to be used, it should be terminated with a 0-ohm shunt between the positive and negative terminals.

Powering the Weather Station

The weather station is normally rated for 24VDC power but can accept a voltage in the range of 10 – 30VDC. Connections should be made at the terminals marked 24VDC, GND, and Earth GND. Connections should be made using the following:

• 24VDC:        Positive Voltage Supply
• GND:            Negative Voltage Supply
• Earth GND:   Earth or Chassis Ground

Communication Wiring

NOTE – Use the appropriate wiring that meets Modbus specifications. Belden 3106A is a qualified example.

Wiring connections are made using the 4-pin screw terminal inside the device electronics enclosure. Use the following:

• RS-485 A(-): Negative RS-485
• RS-485 B(+):  Positive RS-485
• GND:            Signal Ground
• Shield:          Cable Shield Drain

Depending on the location of the weather station in the Modbus loop, the internal termination resistor may need to be turned on or off. If the weather station is the last device in the Modbus loop, the jumper should be set to “On”. Otherwise, it should be in the “Off” position.

                                                          PVMet-200 Circuit Board                                                                                          PVMet-100 Circuit Board

 

RS_485 Minimum System Requirements

• Default Modbus Address : 60
• Baud Rate:              9600 bps
• Parity:                    None
• Data bits:                8
• Stop bits:                1
• Interface mode:        2-Wire Half Duplex

Health LED

• Flashing Green or Red:        Correct operation
• No LED:                    Firmware or power issue    
• Solid Red:                 RS-485 wiring issue or power supply issue

The Tx/Rx lights may display red if an out of range polling error is encountered or if there is an addressing issue.

Mapping the Device

When mapping the weather station, make sure to check the raw data to see if wind speed and direction are being recorded. A device template is available but does not include wind speed or direction.

NOTE – Temperatures are sent in Celsius format. Use a formula in the mapping to change to Fahrenheit.

Troubleshooting

• Check Health LED on circuit board.
• Check that all connections are landed properly.
• Check communications with the AcquiSuite.
• Check for Modbus ID conflict.
• Check Modbus internal resistor setting.
• Check 0-ohm shunt on unused irradiance and PV temperature terminals. 

Contact Engenuity

• 480-782-5600
• 800-375-3363